Most questions about yurts
have to do with the practical aspects of setting
up a fabric yurt and designing systems for heat, wastewater, etc. The
wooden
yurt dweller may have questions about space,
privacy and interior design in a
circular shelter, but otherwise wooden yurts are enough like
conventional
housing that fabric yurt questions don't apply.

Where did the name "yurt"
come from?
Yurt is a Turkish word meaning tent-site or camping space. The
Central Asian nomads do not use this term but rather refer to their
dwellings as "home". The Mongolian word for home is ger (rhymes
with air); in Turkic languages it is some version of oy. Yurt was a
term adopted by the Russians, and therefore is not appreciated by
the Central Asian nomads who live in them.

The term yurt has, however, come into common usage in the
Western world. It has become the norm to refer to the traditional
structures as gers and call the modern versions yurts, which is
one way of resolving the terminology issue. Scholar Peter Alford
Andrews uses the descriptive term "trellis-walled tent", which is a
lovely description of the fabric ger/yurt but does not apply to the
hard-shelled (e.g. wooden) versions.

The solution of using ger to refer to the traditional shelter
and
yurt for modern versions is less than perfect (the Turkic term oy is
left out altogether), but it seems the best alternative at this time.

What's so special about yurts?Yurts are special
because they are round and therefore make better
use of space, are more efficient to heat, and provide less wind
resistance. The
roof structure, with its compression ring and tension band, is an
amazing
architectural design requiring no internal support system, thereby
leaving the
yurt open and spacious inside.

Yurts are special because they are portable. Central Asian
nomads put their
gers up in an hour or less. Modern canvas yurts can be set up in a day.
To
have a shelter that can be put up quickly and then taken down and moved
as
one's situation changes is a distinct advantage in our transient
culture.

There is a specialness to yurts that is intangible and
experiential, like the
feeling that happens when stepping inside a yurt for the first time, or
the
magical moment in yurt building when the roof ring is set and the
building
shudders into place. There are probably reasons for this "magic" of
yurts in
the very physics of the shapes (of circle and triangle, cylinder and
cone), but
this remains to be explored.

Finally, yurts seem especially suited to certain pursuits.
Yurts are often used
in retreat centers and for the healing arts, meditation, spiritual
practices,
dancing and community gatherings. People say they sleep better in
yurts,
and often dream more. The healing, creative, communal and spiritual
nature
of yurts is broadly recognized but, again, the reason for it ultimately
remains
a mystery.

What are yurts used for?
Yurts have many applications, including State Park camping,
back-country
skiing, schools, offices, shops, studios of all kinds,
bed-and-breakfasts, a
camp kitchen, a women's moon-lodge, and resort accommodations to
name just a few! Here are some more answers from the companies:

What kind of foundation does
a yurt require?
In Central Asia gers are set up on the grassy plains, and rugs and
felted
mats are placed on top of the grass. In the winter pallets or shallow
wood
decking may be used to create a floor, and felted mats or rugs are
layered on
the flooring for insulation and warmth. Central Asia is very dry, and
what little
precipitation does occur is usually in the form of snow so there is
little danger
of water leaking or flooding inside the ger.

In North America and Europe, which have areas of high
precipitation, yurts
are typically erected on some form of deck. The deck is built in a
circle the
same diameter as the yurt, so that the yurt's outer covering can be
attached to the deck itself. Most yurt companies include designs for a
deck
in their set-up instructions. Pacific Yurts Co. also includes a design
for a
moveable deck. (It's very important, by the way, to build the deck to
the
exact specifications given by your yurt company. Otherwise the yurt
won't come together and be as tight and weatherproof as it is designed
to
be.)

It is possible in a dry climate to set up a yurt on the
ground. It helps to have a
rock-filled trench around the perimeter of the yurt for drainage. For
extra
insulation you can dig the circle down six inches, lay in plastic
sheeting, fill it
in with sawdust, and place your floor coverings and rugs over the soft
sawdust floor. A yurt community in Kelley, Wyoming (near Jackson Hole)
has lived this way successfully for many years. (For further
information see
"Yurts in Cold Climates" in The Last Straw Journal, Issue 32, Winter
2000.)

My favorite yurt of all time had a cob floor with hot springs
water piped
through it. (Cob is an adobe-like mud mixture made from clay, sand and
straw.) The floor had a natural, earthy feel and the radiant heat kept
the yurt
warm and cozy on the coldest of days.

Long answer: The felted covering of Central Asian gers makes
them perfectly
suited for the extremely cold, but dry, conditions of the high Asian
steppes.
Felt doesn't work well in the damper climates of the UK and much of
North America, where some form of canvas or architectural fabric is
used as
a covering instead. The problem with canvas and most architectural
fabrics is
that they don't do much for keeping out the cold (i.e., they don't have
the natural insulative qualities of felted wool). So some type of
insulation
must be added.

A number of options are available, including the fiber-fill
used for quilting,
synthetic felt (placed inside the canvas layer with a vapor barrier
between),
and a couple of insulation types developed by NASA. The most commonly
used by yurt companies (known by the brand name Reflectix) is a type of
bubble-wrap sandwiched inside reflective foil. The foil works by
reflecting
radiant heat (97%) in both directions, making this a lightweight but
highly
effective form of insulation. (Adding multiple layers of reflective
insulation is
not recommended, though, because the added benefit is minimal relative
to
the additional cost.)

Insulating the floor is also important. One can place standard
types of
insulation under the floor (as in a traditional house) or use
stress-skin panels
(with built-in insulation) to build the deck itself.

How do you heat a yurt?
There are a number of heating options available

Wood or pellet stoves. The advantage of wood stoves is that
they produce a dry heat, making a yurt much cozier in wet climates.
Many communities don't permit wood stoves because of air pollution
problems, but it's possible to find highly efficient stoves that
produce minimal emissions. A ceiling fan is helpful in circulating the
warmth and keeping it from going out the top.

Propane heaters. An unvented heater can be a nightmare
because it produces water vapor during combustion (which makes the yurt
constantly damp and causes molding); there is also the danger of carbon
monoxide poisoning (symptoms include headache and nausea). We recommend
using only vented propane heaters, installed by someone who knows what
they are doing. A portable fan clipped to the rafters above the heater,
to send the heat across the room, and/or a ceiling fan are helpful with
propane systems.

Radiant heat, also called hydronics (hot water in the
floor). This is the most efficient and comfortable form of heating for
any shelter, though it may be too permanent for a transitional living
situation. The floor is usually poured concrete with tubing running
through it, but it can also be made of cob or adobe. Options for
heating the water include a wood or propane-fired boiler, a wood stove,
and electricity.

Pete Dolan of Pacific
Yurts gives this example of a yurt with a radiant floor:

"We
had a customer who built a rectangular structure with structural
insulated panels (S.I.P.) for the roof that were around R-30. On top of
this structure he laid the 2x6 joists for his circular yurt platform
and had the water tubes snake between the joists. He then laid plywood
flooring over the joists. A propane-fired hot water heater in the
rectangular structure supplied the hot water for the radiant heat."

Electric heat, in the form of baseboard heating or
radiators of some sort. Probably the least desirable because of its
inefficiency and high energy usage.

What about yurts in tropical
climates?
Yurts are ideal in tropical climates where heating needs are minimal
and
cooling needs can be met with proper siting and adequate ventilation.
The
sides on a yurt can be rolled up and mosquito netting hung across the
lattice
wall.

For tropical use add top cover insulation, tinted dome
skylight with opener for
ventilation, extra screened windows, porch and window awnings and
ceiling
fan support. A water catchment option is also available. Water
catchment
is a primary source of water supply in many tropical countries.
Pacific Yurts also has a tropical cupola, a center ring insert and
screen doors available for tropical applications.

Are yurts bear proof?
Yes and no. I've heard stories about bears in Alaska trying to
break into yurts without success. But there's a bear in central
Idaho that managed to break into a back country (unoccupied)
yurt; in fact this bear comes through at the same time every
Spring and the owner leaves the door open and cleans up after
the bear, rather than risk more damage to the yurt.

If you live in bear country it's a good idea to build your
deck
up high (preferably high enough to put a full story underneath for
storage, and close it in with walls or skirting for warmth). A north
Idaho couple used this tactic and feel it helped avoid problems
with the numerous bears on their property.

What about permitting?
Good question. This is a complex issue that varies with location. It
will be covered in greater depth in YURT: Living in the Round,
but
for now, you'll find a good answer at the Nesting
Bird Yurts
website. The yurt companies know more than just about anyone
about this
topic. Ask them for advice, and check out your local code situation
before
you buy your yurt.

Should I build or buy?
If you have skills in carpentry and sewing and want the experience of
building
your own shelter, then by all means order a set of plans (see Building
a Yurt),
or combine some plans off the internet, and go for it. For this project
you'll need a commercial sewing machine (which can be rented),
woodworking tools and a workshop space. Keep in mind that some of the
plans available are for camping yurts and others are more suited to
year-round living.

A friend who has made three yurts claims it can be a stressful
process. If
crafting is not your forte, you might prefer to purchase a yurt from
one of the
companies listed on this site. Keep in mind that the markup with most
fabric
yurt companies isn't all that high. In most cases you're probably
getting a pretty good deal.

If wood is plentiful where you live and you'd like something
more
permanent, take a look at Bill Coperthwaite's plans for his
tapered-wall
wooden yurts. One has to think about walls a little differently when
they're slanted outward, but the spaces themselves are wonderful. A
yurt
workshop with Bill is both educational and a community building
exercise.

If you like the idea of living in the round but don't want to
be "roughing it",
contact one of the frame-panel companies for a wooden yurt, complete
with
the level of amenities you choose.

Which companies?
It is important for the future of yurts that people receive good
customer support from yurt companies, that yurts are honestly
represented and that companies meet their obligations with
integrity. All of the companies listed on this site, as far as we
know, have good customer relations and can be trusted to deliver
what they promise.

Please do be aware, when comparing yurt manufacturers and
prices, that there are vast differences between the types of yurts
listed here. Some, for example, are designated for camping use
only and others are designed for year-round use.

Nesting Bird Yurts recently changed hands (in February '02).
The new owners have affirmed their intention of maintaining the
quality of materials, workmanship and customer support the
company is known for.

If you would like to read about people's experiences with
different companies, or share your own experience, please visit the
Forum
on this site.

Systems questions (wiring,
plumbing, heating, cooling, etc.)
Nesting Bird Yurts does a good job with these questions on their
FAQ
page. For specific questions, try the Nesting Birds Message
Board or
the Forum
on this site.

How long does it take to put
up a yurt?
Count on three days to a week for the deck, depending on site and
weather
conditions, the size of the yurt, and the experience level of the
builder(s). We
recommend working with a professional carpenter for the deck. See Lars' Yurt
Page for photos of a deck being built.

The yurt itself takes under a day to put up, preferably with
three or more
people. A thirty footer may take two days to setup. See the Nesting
Bird
yurt-raising for a nice set-up sequence.

How long should a yurt last?
What kind of maintenance is required?
The wooden framework of a yurt is built to last indefinitely. The
canvas or material covering is built to last ten to fifteen years,
after which time it may be replaced. Often these coverings last
much longer, though this is largely dependent on weather
conditions and the siting. Lots of sun exposure will break down the
material more quickly, and too much rain without sun (e.g. in a
forest site) will lead to mold problems and, again, disintegration.

If you're in a wet cold climate it's good to scrub the walls
down every six months with a fungicide. (Shaklee's
biodegradable product Basic G seems to work well). In a climate with a
lot
of sun exposure, some yurt owners have painted the outside of their
fabric
walls to make it last longer (which may, however, affect the
breatheability of
the fabric).

What about storage, privacy,
and interior design options?
This will be covered in greater detail in YURT: Living in the
Round. For now,
here are some ideas:

Keep the central space open and create your "rooms" around
the perimeter, like the Mongolians do.

Use light weight, moveable furniture for flexibility and
light or muted colors to keep a feeling openess.

Explore Japanese and Swedish design ideas like
under-the-floor storage, or roll-away drawers under beds and sofas. The
IKEA
catalogue is a great place to start.

For privacy, hang fabric from the rafters (fishing line
works well) or use screens, which are moveable. In the kitchen area,
use an island on wheels.

Rather than building a large yurt and then using walls to
break it up into small square rooms, consider using multiple smaller
yurts to create different functional spaces and provide privacy for
couples and families. One might, for example combine a living/bedroom
yurt and a studio/office yurt, or install separate smaller yurts for
teenage bedrooms. For a shared living situation, consider the
combination of a living/kitchen yurt with one or more bedroom yurts and
an additional yurt bathhouse.

General Yurt BooksCircle
Houses: Yurts, Tipis and Benders by David
Pearson, 2001 (UK title: Yurts, Tipis and Benders, Gaia Press)Lots
of yurt stories, and nice photos with each story. Also has instructions
for building a Mongolian-style ger. Most of the stories are from the
UK, where traditional yurts are prominent, so there isn't much about
modern canvas yurts.

The Complete Yurt Handbook
by Paul King, 2001Part
One deals with the history of the yurt, construction principles and
"the etiquette of ger living" in Mongolia. Part Two gives instructions
on how to make both Mongolian and Turkic ("bender-style") gers. The
emphasis is on the traditional ger.

Building
Tipis and Yurts: authentic designs for circular structures
by Blue Evening Star, 1995.Through
her book and yurt-building workshops, Blue Evening Star has helped
spread the word about yurts. Contains a nice introduction to the
Mongolian ger, beautiful shots of her yurt against the red rocks of
Sedona and detailed descriptions of her unique design (best suited for
desert climates).

YURT: Living in the Round
by becky kemery. Spring of 2003Intended
as the first comprehensive volume on modern yurts, YURT documents the
movement from ancient East to modern West, examines contemporary design
variations, and answers Frequently Asked Questions from codes and cold
climates to composting toilets. All four types of yurts are covered,
though the focus is on the modern canvas yurt. Lots of photographs and
stories and a substantial resources section are included. (If you like
this website, you'll love the book!)

To Yurt by David Raitt
with Rob Goodfellow. 2003"In
visual and story form, To Yurt will address the modern yurt
permanent-dwelling lifestyle and describe the shift from the
conventional wisdom of life in a rectangle to a new permanent
affordable Yurt experience."

Tents : Architecture of the Nomads
by Torvald Faegre, 1979, out of print.Worth
reading if you can find it at a library or through Inter-Library Loan.
Well researched and beautifully written, often profound, with nice
illustrations by Faegre throughout.

Build a yurt by Len
Charney, 1974, out of print.An
early version of Bill Coperthwaite's designs. The same information, and
more, is available in Bill's articles in Mother Earth News (below)
and in his yurt
plans.

Education and Research The Yurt: Education PackActivities
and discussion topics for 5-13 year olds, with a full set of teacher's
notes. Order from: FCFCG/ The GreenHouse / Hereford Street/
Bedminster UK BS3 4NA (Tel: 0117
923 1800, Email: admin@farmgarden.org.uk).

Nomad
Tent Types of the Middle East: Part 1, Framed Tents
(3 vols.) by Peter Alford Andrews.British
scholar Peter Alford Andrews is the world's leading authority on the
various types of "trellis walled tents" (as he calls traditional
yurts). This exhaustive 3 volume survey covers the Central Asian Turkic
versions. Vol. 1 is written material, Vol. 2 the accompanying
photographs and diagrams and Vol. 3 consists of maps, all for a mere
$175 US.
To Purchase: The
Rug Book Shop

Felt Tents and Pavillions: The Nomadic
Tradition and its Interaction with Princely Tentage (2
vols, 1472 pages total) by Peter Alford Andrews. London:Melisende, 1999.Vol.
I covers the nomadic Mongolian tradition and Vol. II, "princely
tentage" on the Indian subcontinent in the Medieval period (here's one
for SCA enthusiasts!). Included are over 275 photos, illustrations and
color plates of paintings. Perhaps the only copy in the US is at the
Library of Congress.

The Changing World of Mongolia's Nomads
by Melvyn Goldstein and Cynthia Beall, Odyssey Press, 1994.Anthropologists
document a herding cooperative in its transition after the fall of the
Soviet Union in the early 1990's. Beautiful photographs.

Lost Country : Mongolia Revealed
by Jasper Becker. Sceptre, 1993.A
British journalist travels Mongolia and surrounding areas and tells the
often tragic tales of people recovering their culture after decades of
Soviet domination. Well written, poignant and informative.

The Art of the Feltmaker
by M.E. Burkett, 1979.A classic
work. Photographs of feltmaking in the Middle East.

Sustainable Living ResourcesThe Good Life by Helen
and Scott Nearing, 1989.Classic work
on homesteading by the pioneers of the back-to-the-land movement.www.cheleseagreen.com

The Composting Toilet System Book
by David Del Porto and Carol Steinfeld (2000)"A
practical guide to choosing, planning and maintaining composting toilet
systems, a water-saving, pollution-preventing alternative."

ArticlesThe
Freedom of a YurtA
beautifully written, well researched article by Claire Wolfe covers the
basic considerations of purchasing and setting up a modern canvas yurt
home; includes information on companies and comparative pricing.

Living
in the RoundAn
emphasis on the idea of living in the round and the advantages of
yurts, including for the chemically sensitive. Some interesting
suggestions.

Yurts:
Round and UnboundedArticle by
becky kemery in an Oregon magazine traces the story of the modern yurt
and addresses issues of modern nomadism.